Portable Thermoelectric Container With Resistor Cool Sink Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active temperature controlled containers face limitations in efficiently increasing the temperature of temperature-sensitive cargo beyond ambient levels, particularly in maintaining precise temperature control for sensitive goods during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A portable active temperature controlled container is designed with a thermoelectric assembly, a thermally conductive resistor spacer block, and resistors, which operate without a fan and vent, achieving a temperature differential of less than 13°C and maintaining temperatures within ±0.3°C of a target temperature of 38.5°C, with a coefficient of performance greater than or equal to 100% during 80% of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional active temperature controlled containers use thermoelectric assemblies to heat temperature-sensitive cargo beyond ambient levels, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fan and vent components from the conventional thermoelectric system, creating a fan-less design that simplifies the overall system while maintaining temperature control capability through optimized thermoelectric assemblies and resistor spacer blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resistor spacer blocks as intermediary thermal management components that facilitate heat transfer and distribution within the container, enabling effective temperature control without requiring complex mechanical cooling systems
2Loss of energy
If conventional systems include fans and vents for thermoelectric assembly cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device weight and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fan and vent components from the system, eliminating the mechanical cooling infrastructure and significantly reducing device weight while maintaining effective heat dissipation through passive thermal management design
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric assembly and resistor spacer blocks are designed to self-regulate thermal management without external mechanical assistance, using inherent thermal conduction and convection properties to dissipate heat efficiently without requiring additional active components
3Temperature
If conventional active temperature controlled containers operate with large temperature differentials, then heating capability is improved, but the coefficient of performance decreases below 100%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrical resistance parameters of the thermoelectric assembly and resistor spacer blocks to achieve optimal operating conditions where the temperature differential is maintained within 13°C, maximizing the coefficient of performance to 100% or greater during 80% of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the efficiency and portability of temperature control, allowing for effective heating of sensitive goods like biological materials and pharmaceuticals, while reducing weight and increasing operational time on a single battery charge, compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
Active temperature controlled containers can comprise a number of thermocouples to actively apply the Peltier effect to advantageously transport heat within an iso-thermal transport system. The Peltier effect is the presence of heating or cooling at an electrified junction of two different conductors.
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive resistor spacer block coupled to the thermoelectric assembly opposite the vessel, and at least one resistor coupled to the resistor spacer block
Data Source
AI summary
An active temperature controlled container is configured to be portable so as to safely transport temperature sensitive and perishable goods (such as biological material): within a vessel that is thermally coupled to a thermoelectric assembly disposed within the container, where the thermal engine is powered by a power source, such as a battery. The thermoelectric assembly may include one or more resistors coupled to a resistor spacer block to act as a cool sink by actively and passively increasing the efficiency of the thermoelectric assembly.